SB 

278 



PORTO Rico AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION, 

D. W. MAY, Special Agent in Charge. 

Mayaguez, D«cember, 1904. 



Bulletin No. 8. 



TOBACCO INVESTIGATIONS IN PORTO RICO 
DURING 1903-4. 



BY 



J. VAN LEENHOFF, .!i;., 
Tobacco Expert, Porta liko A ffriouMural Experiment Station. 



UNDER THE SCPERVTSIOS OF 

OFFICT 0¥ KXl'KTSIMKNT' STATIONS, 

U. S. DEPABTA! 1 




WASHINGTON: 

GOVERNMENT PHINTTXC OFFT'R 

1 ;»(».", . 




Qass ^_2,ll_ 



Bui. 5, Porto Rico Agr Expt. Station, Dcpl. Agr. 



Frontispiece. 




PORTO RICO AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION, 

D. W. MAY, Special Agent in Charge. 

Mayaguez, December, 1904. 



Bulletin No. 3. 



TOBACCO mVESTIGATIONS IN PORTO RICO 
DURING 1903-4 



/. 



BY 



J<'VAN LEENHOFF, Jr., 

Tobacco Expert, Porto Rico Agricultural Experiment Station. 



UNDER THE SITERVISION OF 

OPFICE OF EXl'FRIMENT STATIONS, 

U. S. DEPARTMENT OK AUKICULTURE. 




WASHINGTON: 

GOVEKNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 



19 5. 



Tl' 



Sb2rg 



PORTO RICO AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 

[Under the supervision of A. C. True, Director of the Office of Experiment Stations. 
United States Department of Agriculture.] 

STATION STAFF. 

D. W. May, Special Agent in Charge and Animal Husbandman. 
J. W. VAN Leenhoff, Coffee Expert. 

O. W. Barrett, Entomologist and Botanist. 
J. VAN Leenhoff, Jr.." Tohavco Expert. 
H. C. Henricksen, Horticnlturist. 

E. F. Curt, Farm Superintendent. 

Jessie F. Sprinoek, Clerk and Stenographer. 

a Appointed tobacco expert in Bureau of Plant Industry of this Department July, 1904. 
2 



JUN S^igoz 
D. ofD. 



LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL 



Porto Rico Agricultural Experiment Station, 

Mayaguez, P. R., December 5, 1901^. 
Sir: I have the houor to transmit herewith a manuscript by J. van 
Leenlioif, jr., on the results of tobacco investigations in Porto Rico 
during the fiscal year 1903-4, conducted under the direction of F. I). 
Gardner, former special agent in charge. 

These results show that there is great need of improving the methods 
of growing and curing tobacco, and point out a number of changes 
which may be found advisable to adopt. By the introduction of up- 
to-date methods of growing and curing tobacco in Porto Rico it is 
believed that the business will be commercially successful where con- 
fined to suitable soil and climatic conditions. The area suitable for 
the enterprise is .somewhat limited, but capable of considerable exten- 
sion beyond that now cultivated to this crop. 

Last year about 20f) acres of tobacco was grown under cloth shade. 
The crop contained a high percentage of fine-appearing wrapper 
leaves, and the fact that the area will be extended to .300 or 350 
acres during the next year indicates a belief that the enterprise will 
prove a financial success. 

I respectfully recommend that this manuscript be translated into 
Spanish and published in both English and Spanish as Bulletin No. 5 
of this station. 

Respectfully, D. W. May, 

Special Agent in Cliarge. 
Dr. A. C. True, 

Director Office of Experiment Stations, 

U. S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C. 

Recommended for publication. 
A. C. True, Director. 

Publication authorized. 
James Wilson, 

Secretary of Agriculture. 



CONTENTS. 



Page. 

Introduction _ _ - '^ 

Methods now practiced in Porto Eico ^ 

Methods of preparing seed beds 9 

Field preparation and planting 1" 

Topiaing --- - --■ H 

Harvesting - 12 

Diseases and insects - -- 13 

Curing shed _ -. 13 

Curing and fermentation — !•' 

Seed jiroduction 1"' 

Irrigation - -- I''' 

Drainage -- 15 

Texture of tobacco soils Ifi 

Experiments in growing, curing, and fermenting tobacco . _ - - 18 

Seed-bed experiments 18 

Transplanting - - - 30 

Value of shade for producing wrappers ....._ 31 

Experiments with fertilizers - - - - - 24 

Experiments in curing tobacco - - . 27 

Fermentation _ 28 

Seed selection 39 

Suggestions for the improvement of Porto Rican tobacco 31 

Choice of land -- 32 

Seed and seed beds - 33 

Time of transplanting for wrapper and filler 35 

Method of transplanting --- 36 

Cultivation _ _ 36 

Topping 37 

Harvesting 37 

Curing shed 38 

Curing . - - - - 39 

Suggestions regarding fermentation .__ -- 41 

5 



LLUSTRATIONS. 



PLATES. 

Page. 

Toliacoo grtiwing muler cloth shade Frontispiece. 

Plate I. Fig. 1. — Constrm-ting straw shade for seed beds. Fig. '3. — Tobacco 
seed beds protected with straw shade. Fig. 3.— Tobacco seed 
beds protected by cloth covering. Fig. 4. — Cloth and straw 

covered seed beds _ 18 

II. Pig. 1. — Shade-grown tobacco at Aibonito soon after planting. 
Fig. 3. — Irregiilnr size due to replanting. Fig. 3. — Badly formed 
leaves for wrappers. Fig. 4. — Good, nuiform shade -grown 
tobacco sixty days after planting 20 

III. Fig. 1.— Plat 1, no fertilizer. Fig. 2.— Plat 3, sulphate of potash 

and acid phosphate. Fig. 3. — Plat 3, sulphate of potash and 
nitrate of soda. Fig. 4. — Plat 4, acid phosphate and nitrate of 
soda 34 

IV. Fig. 1. — Plats, acid phosphate, sulphate of potash, and nitrate 

of soda. Fig. 2. — Plat 6, acid phosphate, sulphate of potash, 
nitrate of soda, and lime. Fig. 3. — A good field of tobacco near 
Aguas Buenas. Fig. 4. — Destructive work of tobacco split 

worm _ _ 34 

V. Fig. 1.— Type of Florida Sumatra leaf. Fig, 2.— Good type of 
leaf for wrappers. Fig. 3. — Type of Connecticut Habana leaf. 
Fig. 4. — Poor type of leaf for wrappers 30 

TEXT FIGURE. 
Fig. 1. Types of plants used in transplanting: a, poor type; b, good type -_ 34 

15479— No. 5—05^ 3 7 



TOBACCO INVESTIGATIONS IN PORTO RICO, 
SEASON OF llH)3-4. 



INTRODUCTION. 

Before undertaking any tobacco investigations the writer made a 
a reconnaisance of the princij)al tobacco-growing districts of Porto 
Rico and gathered from phinters and manufacturers information 
relative to the methods employed in growing, curing, and fermenting 
tobacco. He visited the districts of Aibonito, Caycy, Cidra, Caguas, 
Aguas Buenas, Comerio, Arecibo, Utuado, Jayuya, and Yauco, spend- 
ing several days in each. In each of these places careful inquiry was 
made as to the local metliods used in growing tobacco. At the time 
of these visits most of the tobacco had been .sold to the manufacturers, 
but wherever possible samples of it were examined with reference to 
its several classes and the quality of each. Typical samples were 
also secured from each district for further study, and most of them 
were made into cigars and tested with reference to their appearance, 
flavor, aroma, and burning qualities. Samples of typical soil and sub- 
soil were also taken from each district for chemical and physical 
examination. -The cliniatological conditions were also inquired into 
and a study made of tlie local weather records in order to better judge 
as to the best season for planting and especially for tlie cui'ing of tlie 
tobacco. A brief report of these prelinunary inxcstigations follows. 

METHODS NOW PRACTICED IN PORTO RICO. 

METHODS OF PREPARING SEED BEDS. 

In Porto Rico the tobacco seed bed is most frequently made on high 
inclined land, although it is sometimes made on level lands, called 
"vegas." The high lands are more exempt from the depredations of 
insects and especially from the " changa," or mole cricliet, wliich Ijur- 
rows along beneath the surface of the ground and cuts off the plants." 
On the hilly lands the preparation usually consists of burning over 
the ground and digging it up with a hoe. Some planters prefer stony 
lands for the seed beds, believing that they retain moistui-e best, 
although this is probably not the true cause of their value, as the 
stones would improve the drainage. If the land is not stony it is 
necessary to have good drainage, and this is affected by cutting small 
ditches at a distance of about 1 meter from each other and running 
directly down the hill. The tobacco seed is sown on the elevations 
between the ditches. If level land is chosen for the seed bed it is 



« See Porto Rico Sta. Bui. 2. 

9 



10 

first plowed and the grass allowed to rot, after which the surface is 
leveled and the weeds removed with a hoe preparatory to sowing 
seeds somewhat later. The time of preparing the seed beds ranges 
from August 1 in some districts to September 1 in others. As a rule 
the seeds are sown about the close of August, and a second sowing of 
seeds is made from eight to fifteen days later, in order to have later 
plants for replacing those that nuiy die after the first planting in the 
fleld. The seed is simply scattered over the surface of the bed. The 
quantity of seed used varies in different districts, but is always very 
large. In from eight to twelve days after sowing the plants begin to 
show above ground and at this time the beds are carefullj' weeded. 
The work of weeding is generally done by women and children, who 
also go over the beds every day and search carefully' for worms and 
insects, wliicli they <lestroy. It requires from forty-five to sixty days 
f(n- the plants to acquire size suitable to be transplanted to the fields, 
at which time they have about eight leaves. 

FIELD PREPARATION AND PLANTING. 

Plowing is commenced, if on level or very sliglitly rolling land, 
generally in August ; but some planters begin to plow in .luly, using 
the American moldboard plow, if they possess such, which is very sel- 
dom the case. Often two or three neighbors combine to purchase 
one, thus saving a great deal in the cost to each. About a mouth 
after the date of the first plowing the land is gone over with the 
native wooden plow, which is much easier to handle. In October 
the land is plowed again, or gone over with a hoe. Some planters are 
now using the harrow (rastrillo). 

As a rule the planting is begun early in November, although in 
some localities the plants are set out any time from the end of ( )cto- 
ber until the end of February, as may best suit the convenience of 
tlie planter. 

It is said that the early plantings produce a larger percentage of 
wrappers, on account of the plants not being troubled by insects 
biting holes, and the filler is milder. At Cayey the planters prefer 
to set their plants out late in November and early in December, as 
they claim that tobacco jjlanted at this time has more aroma. As to 
the number of plants per acre iu a field there is a wide divergence of 
opinion. Some of the planters in the Plata district set the plants 16 
inches apart, with 24 to '2ij inches between the rows. Others set them 
12 inches apart, with 3(J inches between the rows. Setting 18 inches 
from plant to plant and 36 inches between the rows is also practiced. 
Others again plant very irregularly, having no stated distance between 
the plants, in some cases filling the spaces between the plants with 
corn and beans. No instances are known where tobacco is planted 
with the special object of producing wrapper or filler. The usual 
method is to wait until the time of harvesting to classify the tobacco, 



11 

whether wrapper or filler, etc. If the soil is soft the transplanting is 
done bj' hand; but if it is hard, the work is generally done with a 
hoe or a big knife called a "machete." No care is taken to set the 
roots quite straight in the ground, and it has been observed that the 
tap root has been placed in the hole in such a way that it was com- 
pletely doubled upon itself. The young plants are pulled out of the 
seed bed by hand, often without any rootlets and frequently with 
the tap roots broken off. In setting the seed plant thej' generally 
take it in the left hand, place the root in a horizontal position in a 
hole prepared by one stroke of a hoe, and then press a piece of hard 
earth on the roots, covering the hole with earth and leaving only a 
few of the leaves above the ground. Other planters set the plants 
too shallow, leaving the greater part of the stem of the plant exposed. 
Some planters make rows with a native wooden plow and set the 
young plants out in the ridges thus formed, while others, on the con- 
ti"ary, place them in the furrow made by the plow. Within fifteen 
or twenty days after ^tramsp Ian ting the first cultivation or hoeing is 
undertaken, and from ten to fifteen daj's later a second hoeing is 
given, at each hoeing a little earth being thrown around each plant. 
If necessary the fields are hoed and weeded again, but usually 
this hoeing and weeding is done only twice. Cultivation and hoeing 
is generally done too deeply and too near the plant, no fear being 
felt of damaging the i-oots. It is believed that considerable damage 
results from the practice, owing to disturbing the plants' connection 
with the soil and destroying or injuring the feeding roots. 

TOPPING. 

Topping consists in pinching off the terminal bud and leaving the 
requisite number of leaves. This takes place from forty to sixty days 
after transplanting, and opinions differ greatly as to the number of 
leaves to remain on the plant. Some planters at (Jaj'ey leave from 
8 to 20; at Caguas, from 15 to 20; at Utuado, from 12 to 10; at 
Jayuya, from 12 to 14; but a majority of the planters in all districts 
leave from 10 to 12 leaves and do their topping as soon as it is possible 
to pinch off the button flower. The object of low and early topjiing is 
to obtain larger and heavier leaves. The practice of low topping and 
late harvesting is attributable to the fact that during the Spanish 
regime, prior to 1898, the market demands were for a dark, heavy 
leaf containing a large amount of nicotin. The American market, 
which now uses most of Porto Rico's tobacco, demands a light, thin, 
mild leaf, and the sj^stem of topping and harvesting should be changed 
in order to meet the new demand. After topping, a great number of 
suckers appear on the plant, which are taken off usuallj^ at intervals 
of from four to eight daj's, until harvesting begins, which takes 
place from three to three and a half months after planting. After 
topping, many planters weed and cultivate again. 



12 
HARVESTING. 

About thirty to forty days after topping the leaves hegin to ripen, 
which is sliown by their turning yellow. When this is observed the 
plants are cut close to the ground. This cutting is done almost 
everywhere wlien tlie plant is overripe. If the stalk is of a j'ellowish- 
brown or brownish-yellow color at the point of the cut the planter 
is assured that the crop is ready for harvest. Sunny or hot days 
are chosen for harve.sting, as it is believed that the plants retain 
the gum better than on cloudy or cool days. After cutting, the plants 
are laid on the ground until wilted before being taken to the curing 
shed. They are transported from the field by taking a bunch in each 
hand (about five jjlants or more to each handful) or by binding a 
larger quantity on a pole, which is carried on the shoulder. Unless 
great care is taken in the cutting and carrying many leaves are torn, 
which diminishes the yield of wrappers. The plants are hung together 
the first day and then separated, each plant being hung singlj'. How- 
ever, most planters hang them too close together, which is especially 
damaging when damp weather follows. 

A few planters follow the Cuban system of harvesting, as they call 
it, wliich is as follows: When the yield of the so-called wrappers is 
large the leaves are cut from the top down in pairs and ai-e hung 
acro.ss a man's arm. When ten or more pairs have been so placed 
they are slipped off on a pole of about 4 j'ards in length, which, as 
soon as filled, is taken to the curing shed. 

After the tobacco is cut earth is thrown over the stubble in prepa- 
ration for the second crop. Sometimes this process is repeated for a 
third crop, wliich is of a very inferior (juality. For the second and 
third crop less care is taken than for the first. 

DISEASES Am) INSECTS. 

Almost nothing is done in the way of protecting the young plants 
from insects and diseases peculiar to them, which are much the same 
as those which attack tobacco plants in the United States. The only 
method followed is to have women and children go over the plants in 
search of insects. To protect the young plants against the mole 
cricket (changa), which is especially destructive in loose soils, it is a 
common practice to wrap a leaf of the mamey or mango around the 
stem of the plant when it is set in the field, allowing the upper edge 
of the leaf to project a little above the ground. The use of Paris 
green, Bordeaux mixture, and other poisonous sjjrays in this connec- 
tion is unknown. 

CTJKING SHED. 

After harvesting, the tobacco plants are taken to the curing shed to 
be cured and dried. The tobacco sheds in Porto Rico consist of 
wooden frames, with roofs of dried grass and sides covered with palm 



13 

leaves to shelter the tobacco from the elements. Many of them are 
from 36 to 120 feet iu length. In general, no thought is given to ven- 
tilation or to the situation of the curing shed with i-eference to the 
sun, wind, and rain. Openings with shutters for regulating the inside 
conditions were not seen except in a single instance, which was on 
the plantation of a large American company. It maj' be said that 
the results of tobacco curing iu Porto Rico depend exclusively upon 
the weather conditions. Nothing is done to prevent pole rot and 
drying out of the leaves before the color changes, so that good 
tobacco often lose.s its quality (elasticity, color, etc.) through bad 
treatment. Tobacco was seen hanging in stables, kitchens of houses, 
dwelling rooms, and sheds of which the .sides were eutirelj' open. 

CURING AND FERMENTATION. 

Many planters follow the practice of allowing twenty-one days for 
the curing of the tobacco. The plants are then pbw^ed in piles 
between green plantain leaves, without removing the leaves from the 
stalk, and allowed to remain from one to seven days,' according to 
the locality and circumstances, with the object of producing the first 
fermentation and making the tobacco moist enough to strip. The 
leaves, after stripping or removal from the stalks, are separated into 
different classes, termed "capas," "tripas y capas," "tripas," and 
"boliches" — i. e. , wrappers, fillers and wrajipers, fillers, and the bot- 
tom or sand leaves. Sometimes these are again divided into first 
and second grades. They are then tied into bundles. 

To ferment the tobacco some planters place it in this form in 
wooden cases, under heavy weights, for a period of about three 
months, after which a further classification is made, the leaves tied 
into hands, and baled. If the tobacco has been placed in the boxes 
in too moi.st a condition it very often rots; on the other hand, if it is 
too dry, it does not sweat enough, and consequently is of inferior 
quality. However, manufacturers work this uufermented stuff into 
their product, causing many of the cigars to have a green or acrid 
taste. Some planters make it a practice to open the cases and venti- 
late their tobacco once a mouth for a period of three months or even 
longer, in order, it is claimed, to obtain a better quality of leaf. 

Other planters place the tobacco iu sheds, hanging the plants from 
4 to 5 inches apart, and allowing them to remain from twentj'-two 
to forty days. The heavier plants are allowed to hang longer than 
those of a lighter weight. The leaves are then taken from the stalks 
without separating them into different grades, such as top, middle, 
and bottom leaves, excepting the "boliches," (the inferior damaged 
bottom leaves, which are kept separate). The leaves are then made 
into "hands" of about SO to 100 leaves, and placed in round piles 
from 1^ to 2 yards in height and 2 yards in diameter. Green plan- 
tain leaves are placed under each pile and the whole covered with 



14 

them. The temperature is only ascertained by inserting the hand 
into the pile; if the- pile becomes too heated it is taken apart, and 
after the tobacco has cooled off is remade. The pile generally 
remains in this condition from ten to twelve days, after which the 
tobacco is placed in wooden Ijoxes for from fifteen to twenty days. 
When taken from the boxes it is graded into "capas," "tripas," and 
"capas y tripas," i. e., wrappers, fillers, and wrappers and fillei's. 
After classification it is wrapped in green plantain leaves and again 
placed in boxes. If the tobacco is light, heavy weights are placed on 
it to help the process of fermentation. In from thirtj' to sixty days 
(about April or May, as the case may be) the tobacco is ready for nse. 
Other planters use about the same method, except that the heavier 
tobacco is placed in piles 5 meters long by 3 meters wide and 1| 
meters in height, while with the lighter grade tobacco the height of 
the piles is increased to 2 meters. In l)uilding the pile a hole for 
ventilation is left in the middle of it. The piles containing the heav- 
ier leaf nece.ssaril,v contain much tobacco of lighter quality, and the 
reverse is true of tlie piles of lighter quality on account of the top, 
middle, and bottom leaves not having been kept separate. After 
from six to eight days these piles are torn apart and remade; this is 
repeated in about twenty days, the latter j^iles being allowed to stand 
until June or July. The tobacco is then classified as follows: 

ChtJisiJicatiini of Porto Rican tobacco. 

Light wrapper — Capa fiiia clara. 
Dai'k WTajjper — Capa t>sonra. 
Light wrapper and filler — Tripa y capa clara. 
Dark wrapper and filler — Tripa y capa osciira. 
Heavy filler, fir.st length — Triiia primera ealidad. 
Heavy filler, second leiigtli — Tripa segunda calidad. 
Fine filler, first length — Tripa primera fina. 
Fine filler, second lengtli— Tripa segnnda fina. 
Ordinary — Tripa nrdinaria. 
Sand leaves — Boliches. 

In another locality a pil(> was seen about 2 meters in height and 3 
by 4 meters in diameter. This pile was allowed to remain until July. 
The tobacco was then moistened and classified. The outside leaves 
were quite "green" and the inside oversweated. Some parts of the 
pile were, more by accident than good management, cured just right. 

Another method used by very few planters consists of making piles 
of from 3,000 to 5, (KM) pounds. After standing from six to eight days 
they are torn down and rebuilt. After another period of eight days 
these are again torn down and remade into piles of from 4,000 to (!,000 
pounds each, which are allowed to stand one or two months. When 
the piles show signs of becoming too heated they are torn down and 
rebuilt. The tobacco is then baled, the bales containing all classes of 



15 

leaves. The classification is made by merchants after a further 
period of sweating extending over about a month, and is as follows: 

Wrappers — First, second, and third sizes— light and dark. 
Fillers — First, second, and third sizes — light and dark. 

Some planters, endeavoring to secure light colors, make their fer- 
menting piles long and very narrow — the width of only two Jiands — 
thus preventing as much as possible a rise in temperature. This 
method retains the light colors, but results in little or no fermenta- 
tion, thus rendering the tobacco unsuitable for market on account of 
its green and bitter taste. Neither can it be safelj' put in the wai'e- 
house, because of its being unfermented. 

SEED PRODUCTION. 

In all cases tobacco seed is grown from the so-called sucker or 
second crop. No cai-e whatever is taken of the seed plants, and all 
plants which flower, good as well as degenerated, are permitted to 
produce seed. When the seed capsules Ijecome dark brown they are 
cut from the plant and exposed for a day or more to the hot sun in 
order that they may become thoroughly dried. Such an irrational 
method of producing seed, witli no attempt whatever at selection, is 
sufficient to explain whj' such large amounts of seed ai'e requii-ed to 
produce a few good plants. A considerable part of such seed will not 
germinate, and of that capable of germination much is from degen- 
ei'ated plants and gives rise to seed plants having many undesiralile 
qualities. It furthermore gives rise to many plants which lack in 
vigor and which may in part explain the fact that planters have to 
repeatedly reset plants in the field. As a result of this method of 
seed production one will find, upon inspection of the tobacco fields, 
leaves of all kinds, sizes, and shapes, many of which are undesirable 
for anything but filler purposes. (See frontispiece.) 

IRRIGATION. 

Irrigation is not pi'acticed in tol^acco culture in Porto Rico. 
Droughts frequentlj' occur in Porto Rico which cut short the tobacco 
crop, and there is no doubt that where sufficient water can be secured 
irrigation of tobacco would prove profitable. 

DRAINAGE. 

Drainage is practiced in some localities by making ditches on the 
hill}' lands above the tobacco, thus diverting the water and prevent- 
ing an overflow of the fields. In the level lands the drainage methods 
as now practiced could be very much improved. In many parts of 
the island tobacco fields suffered severe losses during the season 
1003-4 from standing water in the fields. Last year and the preced- 
ing one were ([uite dry, and tobacco crops suffered from drought. This 
15479— No. T)— 0.5 3 



16 

shows the necessity of providing both drainage and irrigation in order 
to fortify against unfavorable climatic conditions. 

TEXTURE OF TOBACCO SOILS. 

Samples of soils and subsoils were taken fi-om nearly every district 
visited, and a portion of these were transmitted to the Bureau of Soils, 
United States Department of Agriculture, for mechanical analyses. 
The following table gives the results of the anal.yses, and indebtedness 
to the Bureau of Soils is hereby acknowledged for its assistance in this 
inatter : 



3Jeclianical aiiaJi/scs of soils and subsoils from typical tobacco fields in severed of 
the principal fobacco-growine/ districts of Porto Rico. 

[FiiiL' earth.] 













»c 





r-t 







^ 












d 


4^ 


CJ 




a 


s 








u 


a 
a . 

o 


_0 


o 


S 


d 


1 


d 


No. 


Locality. 


Description. 


1 

a 

u 

'3 


! 


M 

go 


= a 


sa 

§s 

CO 


d 

1 


s . 
«a 

sa 

d 








1 

P.ct. 


i 


3 




3> 

a 

s 




o 

S 


5 








p.ct. 


p.ct. 


P.ct. 


p.ct. 


p.ct. 


p.ct. 


p.ct. 


9372 


{1) 8 kilometers 
NW. of Aibon- 
ito. 

(2t 8 kilometers 


Valley "La Plata," 
soil, 0-10 inches. 


5.97 


3.24 


6.02 


4.20 


12.64 


10.04 


31.72 


31.98 


9373 


Valley "La Plata," 


.3.75 


6.68 


7.28 


2.72 


4.94 


7.20 


37.28 


3;j.70 




NW. of Aibon- 
ito. 
(3) 3-4 kilome- 


soil," 0-12 inches. 


















9374 


Gravelly sandy 
loam, 0-10 inches. 


4.35 


10.86 


12.82 


5.68 


10. IS 


7.90 


25.82 


26.88 




tera SE. of 
Cayey. 
(4) 3-4 kilome- 


















9375 


Brown stony loam. 


2.37 


6.06 


10.24 


4. ,50 


7.80 


9.88 


31.84 


29. .54 




ters SE. of 


10-20 inches. 


















9376 


Cayey. 

(5) 3-4 kilome- 
ters SE. of 
Cayey. 

(6) 3-4 kilome- 


Brown sandy soil, 
0-12 inches. 


1.33 


.52 


3.16 


3.62 


15.14 


18.02 


33.36 


26.18 


9377 


Subsoil of 9.376, 12-20 


.78 


.84 


i.'sn 


4.32 


15.22 


17.80 


32.38 


25.14 




ters SE. of 


inches. 




















Cayey. 




















9378 


(7) 3 kilometers 
SW. of C'idra. 


Dark sandy loam, 
0-12 inches. 


1.85 


1.72 


4.70 


3.60 


11.18 


8.94 


38. .50 


31.20 


9379 


(8) 3 kilometers 
NE. of Come- 


Dark sandy loam, 
0-12 inches 


2.53 


4.98 


9.10 


5.20 


11.46 


8.36 


32.96 


27.66 


9380 


rio. 
(9) 4 miles SE. of 
Caguas. 


Brown sandy loam, 
0-10 inches. 


1.44 


5.30 


8.26 


5.23 


11.10 


11.32 


32.40 


25.80 


9:«1 


(101 4 miles SE. 
of Caguas. 


Subsoil of 0380, 10-20 
inches. 


L36 


5.80 


6.54 


4.28 


10.12 


10.40 


33.54 


28.96 


9382 


(ll)Cagaas 


Brown sandy loam, 

0-10 inches. 
Subsoil of 9383, 10-20 


l.£9 


6.22 


14.98 


9.50 


21.92 


17.50 


15.36 


U.M 


9383 


(12) Caguas 


.82 


2.42 


5.96 


3. .50 


8.02 


10.76 


43.64 


26.70 






inches. 


















9384 


(13) 2-3 kilome- 
ters E. of 
AguasBuenas. 


Dark loam, 0-10 
inches. 


2.11 


3.68 


7.16 


4.42 


8.62 


8.46 


41.62 


2,5.98 


9385 


(14) 2-3 kilome- 
ters E. of 
Aguas Buenas. 

(1.5) 2-3 kilome- 


Yellow loam, 10-20 
inches. 


1.07 


1.80 


4.90 


4.24 


10.28 


9.80 


43.24 


2.5.74 


9380 


Yellow loam, 10-20 


1.25 


3.20 


6.36 


4.06 


7.76 


8.96 


44.90 


24.68 




ters E. of 


inches. 




















Aguas Buenas. 




















9387 


(I(i) 4-.") kilome- 
ters E. of Are- 
cibo. 


Fine sand, 0-12 
inches. 


..59 


.04 


..50 


4.32 


53.32 


22.94 


11.72 


6.98 


9388 


(17) Jayuya 


Sandy loam, 0-10 
inches. 


3.19 


3.16 


5.;« 


3.04 


7.46 


9.52 


45.82 


25.56 


9389 


(18) 1 kilometer 
from Jayuya. 


Sandy loam, 0-10 
inches. 


2.08 


7.22 


16.60 


8.48 


17.60 


11.14 


15.10 


23.58 



17 

An inspection of the samples at tlie time tliey were taken showed 
that, as a rnle, the texture was too heavj-, as compared with the 
standard of typical tobacco soils in the United States, for the produc- 
tion of high-grade cigar tobacco and cigar wrappers. A study of the 
above table brings out this fact even more strongly than did the mere 
inspection. It will be seen that, with but two exceptions, the per- 
centages of clay and silt are quite liigh. 

Under the old regime of tobacco production in Porto Rico, the fact 
that the tobaccos produced were as a rule rather coarse, dark in color, 
and too heavy to meet the market demauds in the United States, is 
attributable largely to the heavy texture of the soil. 

The sample of soil from Caguas shows about half as much silt and 
clay combined as those from most of the other districts, and it was 
observed that in this district as a rule the tobacco is lighter in struc- 
ture, texture, and color than in the other districts. This tobacco, 
however, is inferior in flavor and aroma to that from Cayey and 
Comerio, and it is therefore thought that the district might be largely 
devoted to the production of a wrapper and binder leaf. By improved 
methods of topping, harvesting, curing, and fermenting it is believed 
that this could be accomi^lished in the Caguas district, even without 
the use of shade. 

The Arecibo soil, which contains a comparatively low percentage 
of silt and clay, has a texture which would designate it as an excellent 
tobacco soil, especially for the production of a wrapper leaf. As a 
matter of fact, the tobacco from this district has no aroma, a poor 
taste, and does not burn so well. This poor quality is probably 
attributable to the fact that the district is located near the seacoast 
and swept during the greater part of the time bj' the trade winds, 
and also that the soil contains very little organic matter, which it 
would be important to increase by the use of green manures. 

The trade winds coming from across the ocean are laden with mois- 
tui-e containing traces of chlorin, which in time possibly causes an 
increase in the chlorin content of the soil. It is well known that the 
presence of very small amounts of this element has a detrimental 
effect on the burning qualities of the tobacco. 

Experiments at Aibonito on soils that contained .31.98 and 3.*?. 70 
per cent ot clay have shown that it is possible, through the shading 
of the tobacco with cheese cloth and l)y the application of improved 
methods of harvesting, curing, and fermenting, to produce tobacco 
yielding a high percentage of excellent wrapper leaves, possessing 
the qualities of fair combustibility, good elasticity, uniform color, etc. 

It was noticed in the first experiments, however, that some of the 
leaves of this tobacco were too thin and would not keep long in the 
warehouse without more or less deterioration. The veins of the leaf 
in this case were rather too heavy, especially' in those leaves with 



18 

very thin body, and consequently were too prominent when wraipcd 
in cigars. 

It thus becomes very desirable to breed a special type of wrapper 
leaf for shade growing and outside growing, and also a special type 
of filler tobacco. Such types would undoubtedly greatlj- increase the 
value of the Porto Rico tobacco crop. 

EXPERIMENTS IN GROWING, CURING, AND FERMENTING 

TOBACCO. 

As a result of the above-described preliminary Jnvestigations it 
was concluded that Porto Rico presents very favorable conditions 
for the production of considerable high-grade tobacco, but that the 
extension of such a business would necessarily be confined to suit- 
able soil areas and favorable climatic environments. The investiga- 
tions also show that for the most part the methods emploj'ed by the 
planters are primitive, and that there is great need of their adopting 
more up-to-date methods. It was decided, therefore, to undertake 
experiments with growing, curing, and fermenting tobacco. 

Owing to the limited funds available for this work it was necessarj'' 
to arrange for cooperation with an interested tobacco grower. Such 
an arrangement was entered into with a planter near Aguas Buenas, 
the latter giving the use of land, labor, buildings, and material, in so 
far as it did not interfere witli his regular business. The facilities 
offered by the equipment of the ordinarj^ planters are, at the best, in 
many ways unsatisfactorj' for experimental purposes, and becau.se 
the funds available would not permit the necessary modification of 
these conditions some of the experiments undertaken failed. A 
report of such of the work as is of value follows: 

SEED-BED EXPERIMENTS. 

Several seed beds were made, each 3.5 feet wide by 18 feet long. 
The earth was raised a few inches above the general level in bed 
form, and the sides of the beds supported by old boards or poles. 
One half of the beds was shaded by a iemovaV)Ie straw shade and 
the other half remained without shade. The shade was supported 
on poles about 4 feet above the beds. (PI. I, figs. 1 and 2.) . 

Imported Ilabana, Connecticut Ilabana, Florida Sumatra, imported 
Sumatra, and Porto Rico seed were sown, each in a separate bed, 
half with shade and half without. The records show that the seeds 
in the shaded portion of the beds came up from two to four days 
earlier than those in the unshaded i)ortion. 

After the plants were all well up the straw shades were removed 
for a short time each day early in the morning and late iu the after- 
noon. The time of exposure was graduallj' increased, and eventually 
the plants were shaded only from 10 a. m. to 3 p. m. A few days 
befoi'e transplanting to the fields the shade was removed and the 
jjlants exposed throughout the day in order to toughen them and 



Bui 5, Porto Rico Agr. Expt. Station, Dept, Agr. 



Plate I. 







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19 

better enable iheui to stand the sun wlien transplanted. It was 
observed that while the plants in the shaded portion of the beds 
oame np earlier and looked healthier diirinir the first three weeks, 
after that time those without shade looked the better and were 
finallj' more vigorous and larger. 

The advantage of the shade is in reducing evajjoration and thus 
enabling tlie seeds to germinate quicker and more perfectly, and also 
that it protects the beds from washing by heavy rains. It often hap- 
pens, as it did in 1003, that manj' seed beds are entirely destroyed by 
heavy rains, either by washing away the seeds before they germi- 
nated or by washing out the plants when quite small. 

Cloth shade was also tried, and seemed to serve Ijetter than the 
straw (PI. I, figs. 3 and 4). The cloth shade was less den.se than 
that of straw, and, while It alloweil most of the rain to pass through, 
it served as a regulator bj' breaking the fall of the rain and thus 
preventing washing. 

It is believed that straw shading offers sufficient protection against 
washing of the seed beds alone to justify its construction, and that 
in i)ractice it would be well to dispense with it as soon as the plants 
are well established and all danger from washing is past. 

Another seed lied was divided into five plats and each covered with 
a different colored cloth, the colors being white, green, blue, yellow, 
and red. Experiments in France on lettuce and other plants, when 
growing under different colored glass, have shown that plants develop 
very difl'erently as a result of such treatment, and it was thought that 
this experiment jnight indicate something of value in relation to the 
growing of wrapper leaf under cloth. Unfortunately the seed used 
on these plats was poor, being imported Cubaii seed, which seems to 
be very unreliable if bought in the open market, and only a few 
plants were secured, so that no data of any importance were obtained. 

Soon after the tobacco jjlants in the seed beds had come up numer- 
ous burrows were noticed, which indicated the presence of "ehangas." 
These galleries or burrows were treated with a solution consisting of 
1 part of kerosene to 14 parts of water. Openings were made in tlie 
burrows at frequent intervals and a small amount of the solution put 
in. This treatment was repeated two days later, after wliich no 
plants were destroyed. 

The plants also appeared to be suffering from some disease and 
were therefore sprayed with a dilute solution of Bordeaux mixture. 
This treatment seemed to be very beneficial, and after a few daj's no 
more diseased plants appeared. Bordeaux mixture is especially valu- 
able as a seed-bed spray because it is a remedy for many diseases that 
occur on j'oung tobacco plants." When the plants turn yellow in 

"A description of the flea beetle, tobacco worm, leaf miner, cutworm, and other 
insects affecting tobacco, together with remedies for their extermination, is given 
in Farmers' Bulletin No. 1'30. U. S. Department of Agriculture. See also, Porto 
Rico Sta. Bui. 2 on the Changa or Mole Cricket. 



20 

coloi' it indicates that the soil is too wet or that there is a lack of plant 
food. In the fonner case better drainage should be iirovided. By 
elevating the seed beds, as above described, there is no trouble from 
excess of water. When there is a lack of plant food it is well to appl,y 
an extract of barnyard manure or cotton-seed meal. This may be 
applied as a spray, using care to not get the solution sufficiently con- 
centrated to burn the plants. 

TRANSPLANTING. 

Experiments in methods of transplanting were made both outside 
and under cover. A comparison was made outside between plants 
partially shaded during the first ten days after planting and those 
with no shade. For shading, mamey and mango leaves, both every- 
where common in Porto Rico, were used. A leaf was placed 1 to 2 
inches south of each tobacco plant, and bj' inserting the petiole in 
the ground and inclining the top of the leaf toward the plant, this 
shielded it from the direct rays of the sun during the hottest part of 
the day. Five rows of 89 jilants each, or 445 plants, were protected 
with .shade, and an equal number of rows and plants adjacent were 
planted at the same time without shade. Of the protected plants 125 
died and were replanted, and of tlie unprotected -300 died and were 
replanted. At the time of harvesting the protected plants showed 
much greater uniformity in growth than the unprotected ones. 

In Deli, Sumatra, it is a common practice to shade the plants b.y the 
use of small, thin, paddle-shaped boards, tlie small end being stuck 
into the ground to keep them in projier position. Such small boards 
will last for a long time and may be repeatedly used year after year. 
By reducing the numbers of plants necessary to reset, the crop is made 
more uniform, easier to harvest, and of greater value. It is believed, 
therefore, that this simple method of shading the young plants is 
practicable in Porto Rico, especially so if planting is to be done 
during periods when drj' weather and sunshine prevail. 

A trial was also made to ascertain the effect of mamey leaves as a 
protection against cutworms and mole crickets. Of 300 plants 
wrapped in mamey leaves 200 died and had to be replanted, and of the 
same number unprotected 220 died. 'I'he mamey leaves were formed 
into cylinders, with the edges slightly overlapping, and placed in the 
ground with the roots and stem of the plants inside. Care should 
be taken to place the le;if no deeper in the soil than is necessary to 
prevent the crickets from burrowing beneath. While the mamey 
leaves make successful barriers against the crickets they are prob- 
ably somewhat detrimental to the early growth of the plants, because 
they confine the upper roots of the plant; and also because water from 
rains collects within the leaf and escapes very slowly, thus sometimes 
injuring the plants. In both of the above experiments the planting 



Bui, 5, Porto Rico /Sgr, Expt. Station, Dept. Agr. 



Plate II. 




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21 

was done by iiiitivc workmei;i and in their usual manner. The plants 
were from nnselected native seed and showed considerable variation 
in size and vi<jor. It is due chiefly to these two factors (hat so large 
a number of the plants in all cases failed to survive the process of 
transplanting. 

Under the cheese cloth another experiment was tried to ascertain 
the effect of better planting. On one plat 1,700 plants wei-e care- 
fully set out, the roots being placed straight in the holes, and moist 
earth in all cases pressed firmly around them. The following day 
eacli plant was watered. Another plat of 800 plants was planted in 
the usual native way. The results of careful planting were very 
marked, onl.y about 5 per cent of the plants being lost, while with 
those planted in the usual manner the loss was much greater. The 
natural conditions, however, were more favorable to those which were 
carefully planted, so that a fair comparison could not be made. 

There is no doubt that by a careful selection of seed from hardy 
plants, and by using only that portion of it which has good vitality, 
plants will be produced that will stand the process of transplanting 
with much less loss, and that this loss can be still further reduced by 
better methods of transplanting, such as shading the young plants 
from the sun, protecting them from cutworms and mole crickets, and 
by carefullj' placing the roots in the soil and watering when dry. By 
avoiding as much as possible the replanting of the fields the crop is 
made more uniform, easier to harvest, and more valuable. (PL II.) 

VALUE OF SHADE FOR PRODUCING WRAPPERS. 

It was planned to make a careful comparison of the cost of pro- 
duction and value of shade-grown tobacco with that grown outside, 
but under otherwise similar conditions. 

Four-elevenths of an acre was planted under shade November 21, 
1903, and at about the same date 2 acres were planted outside. Very 
heavy rains occurred just after planting that outside, and a large 
part of the first planting was washed out. The delay in replanting 
and other uncontrollable factors interfered to such an extent with 
the outside crop that it was not worth while to carry out the com- 
parison. The shade-grown tobacco was carried through to the finish 
and a careful i-ecord kept of it. Owing to delay in getting a curing 
shed ready for this tobacco it was harvested in an overrij)e condition, 
and for this reason many of the bottom leaves were lost. A short 
time before the leaves began to ripen a disease appeared on them, 
which gave rise to numerous whitish and brown spots. It spread 
very rapidly, and at the time of harvesting nearlj- all leaves were 
affected and manj' of them so badly damaged as to make them use- 
less for wrappers. 

Some of the diseased leaves were sent to the United States Depart- 



22 

inent of Agriculture for examination, and tlie Pathologist reported as 
follows : 

The leaves all appear badly infected with fnngus Aseochytci nicotiance. To the 
best of my information this fungns has not as yet been found within the limits of 
the United States proper, and we have never heard of its previovrs occurrence in 
Porto Rico. In past years several reports of its occurrence have been made from 
various points in Italy. These reports, however, have been very meager, and we 
know very little concerning its destructive nature and i^ractically nothing con- 
cerning the methods of control. Judging from the specimens < if leaves submitted, 
it would appear to be a rather serious disease, and great care should be taken to 
prevent its spreading into other places. 

It is quite possible that judicious fertilizing would increase the 
vigor of the plants and render them less susceptible to the disease. 
The use of a fertilizer containing a rather large percentage of potash, 
and, if the soil is soggy, careful attention to drainage, might be bene- 
ficial. Diseased leaves and all refuse from a diseased crop must be 
burned. 

Some of the results obtained in the experiments are summarized as 
follows : 

Sesitlts of hari-esting 5,S()0 pkiiitK. or foxir-elei'enthx of an acre, of sluidp-rjroini 

tobacco." 

Pounds. 

Weight of cured leaves S-W 

Weight of fermented leaves - - 387 

Loss in fermenting 43 

Wrappers: 

Dark -.-. 36 

Medium - 44 

Fine --. 42 

Total - - --- 113_ 

Small, medium and fine .-. --- 5 

Partly spotted, medium and fine "-o 

Resago. medium and fine - - - 57. 3 

Quebrado - -•- 31 

Total 101 

Fillers: 

Light - --- -- 43 

Heavy - - 31 

Total --- --- 74 

Yield of four-elevenths of an acre - 2S7 

Yield per acre - - - - 789 

alt should be remembered that this was a diseased crop and not a fair example. 



23 

VaJiic of till' croj) h// classes am} coat of i>riiduction. 

26 pounds wrappers, dark, at SlOO per 100 poimds S'26.00 

44 pounds wrappers, medium , at S2oO per 100 pounds _. _ 110. 00 

42 pounds wrappers, fine, at .S2."iO per 100 pounds lO.j.UO 

o pounds wrappers, small, at S35 jier 100 pounds- -. 1. 75 

TA pounds wrappers, partly spotted, at ST.5 per 100 pounds 5. 63 

oTA pounds wrappers, resago, medium and fine," at $60 per 100 pounds ... 34. 50 

31 pounds wrappers. queVirado, mediiim and fine,* at §16 per 100 pounds. _ 5. 56 

48 pounds filler, light, at .59 per 100 pounds 3. 87 

31 pounds filler, heavy, at §12 per 100 pounds. 3.72 

Total 296.03 

Approximate cost of production '' 250. 00 

Net profit 46.03 

In tlie above statement 1hc vahie.s wore placed ou the various grades 
by the phmter with wlioin cooperatiou was carried on and who is 
also a manufacturer of cigars. 

The statement shows that there was a shrinkage in weight of 13 per 
cent during fermenting and that, iiotwitlistanding the very unfavor- 
able conditions, there was a net profit of about $46 on the four- 
elevenths of an acre of shade-grown tobacco, or $126 per acre. 

The greater part of the so-called "resago" and " quebrado," as 
well as part of the filler, would have been classed as good wrappers 
if it liad not been damaged bj' disease. The large and numerous 
spots on the leaves reduced their elasticitj' and made them easily torn, 
so tliat the}- could not be used as wrappers. 

Dui'ing tlie season of 1002-3 the writer planted a small area of 
tobacco under shade in the vicinity of Jayuya. The plants were set 
in rows 3 feet apart and 1 foot apart in the row, there being 2,200 
plants on approximately two-thirteenths of an acre. After curing, 
this tobacco was fermented in the warehouse of a tobacco companj' 
at Aibonito, and was sorted and graded by the company in their 
customary manner. Tlie results were as follows: 

Yii'lil of ishaih'-groirii fohaco of different grudes. 

Pounds. 

Light red wrappers 25 

Light green wrappers.. ...... 18 

Medium red wrappers ... 26 

Medium green wrappers . 65 

Dark wrappers 30 

Sumatra wrappers 7 

Total 171 



" Spotted leaves, part of which can be used for wrappers. 
* Leaves most of which can be used for liinder and filler. 
<^ Includes all expenses on the established tobacco farm. 



24 

Pounds. 

Tripa capa clara _ __. _ 14 

Tripa capa negra 23 

Total... ^ 

Tripa 21 

Yield of two-thirteenths of an acre 2'28 

yielii jier acre ___ _. 1. 4S2 

Samples of the light and medium wrappers were valued by fif^ar 
factories in San Juan at §2.5(1 and 82, respectively, and one large fac- 
tory offered SI. 50 a pound average. 

As a result of these experiments and observations in regard to larger 
areas that have been grown under shade in Porto Rico it may safely 
be said that shading increases the yield, quality, and iiercentage of 
wrappers sufficiently to make shading a profitable bitsiuess, provid- 
ing it is pi'acticed only on soils suitable for growing wrappers and the 
crop is given the best of care throughout its growth and further treat- 
ment in curing and fermentation. 

EXPERIMENTS "WITH FERTILIZERS. 

It was planned to try the eiTect of fertilizers at both Aguas Buenas 
and Aibonito, but uncontrollable circumstances prevented the work at 
the first-named place. At Aibonito, however, seven /^-acre plats 
were laid oiit and treated as follows: 

Plan of fertilizer experiments. 

Plat No. 1. — No fertilizers. 

Plat No. 2. — 20 pounds sulphate of potash, 00 ponnds acid phosphate. 

Plat No. .3. — 30 ponnds sulphate of potash, 20 pounds nitrate of soda. 

Plat No. 4. — 60 ponnds acid pliosphate, 20 pounds nitrate of soda. 

Plat No. 5. — 60 pounds acid phosphate, 20 pounds sulphate of potash, and 

20 pounds nitrate of soda. 
Plat No. (>. — 60 ponnds acid i)hosphate. 20 poimds sulphate of potash, 20 

pounds nitrate of soda, and 200 pounds lime. 
Plat No. 7. — No fertilizers. 

The plats were all planted on the same day, and at a later date each 
plat was i^hotographed for the purpose of recording the differences 
in growth, which in some cases was very marked. Even the least 
affected of the treated plats showed a small increase in growth over 
the tintreated. By comparison, plats 2 and 4 were found to be equally 
good, but much superior lo No. 1, which had no fertilizer. No. .3 was 
much inferior to Nos. 2 and 4, but slightly better than No. 1. This 
showed that the sulphate of potash and nitrate of soda com liined had 
very little effect, and that acid phosphate when combined with either 
of the others separately gave a marked effect. It seems, therefore, 
that for growing tobacco on this soil acid phosphate as a manure is 



Bui. 5. Porto Rico Agr. Expt. Station, Dept. Agr. 



Plate III. 






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25 

fai- more efficient than sulphate of potash and nitrate of soda com- 
bined. This conclusion is further emphasized by comparing plats 3 
and 5, the latter having acid phosphate in addition to the sulphate of 
potash and nitrate of soda, which No. 3 has, and showing a very 
marked increase in growth over No. 3. Since plat No. 5 is very little 
better than Nos. 2 and 4, it further emphasizes the conclusion arrived 
at by comparing Nos. 1 and 3 — i. e., that nitrate of soda and sulphate 
of potash have had very little effect on the growth of tobacco on this 
soil. Plat No. 6, to which 200 pounds of lime was added, showed no 
improvement over No. 5, which was otherwise treated the same. 
(PI. Ill, figs. 1 to -1; PI. IV, flgs. 1 and 2.) It was hoped that further 
valuable results would be obtained by keeping each plant separate 
through the harvesting, curing, and fermenting, thus obtaining the 
effect of the different fertilizers upon the actual yield and quality 
of tobacco. It was not possible, however, to carr}' out the last part 
of the experiment. 

So far as the experiment was carried it indicates that the apjjro- 
priate fertilizer for tobacco on this field is one containing a large 
amount of acid phosphate and smaller amounts of nitrogen and jjotash. 

The experiment is an example of what any planter can easilj' try 
for liimself, and as the question is put to the soil of his own estate 
and the answer given in the effect upon the crop he is growing, the 
result can not fail to be far more satisfactory than any chemical exam- 
i nation that could be made. It should also be recognized that what 
maj- give excellent results on one soil maj' fail altogether on another. 

The writer had under observation another field, part of which wa.s 
treated with cotton-seed meal at the rate of 2,000 pounds per acre, 
and another part given a liberal dressing of compost containing horse 
manure, vegetable matter, and tobacco stems. The compost was 
applied about three weeks before planting and the cotton-seed meal 
the day before planting. The plants given cotton-seed meal grew 
more rapidly, especially during their early life. It is probable that 
the ingredients of the cotton-seed meal were immediatelj- available, 
and in case of the compost, which was not well decomposed, thej' 
were not. 

The application of fertilizers is a question which has received very 
little consideration in Porto Rico, but it is an important one, espe- 
cially in relation to toljacco growing. It may be pardonable, there- 
fore, to quote bi-iefiy from other sources. 

According to analj^ses reported by R. J. Davidson, of the Virginia 
Agricultural Experiment Station, the entire plants of a tobacco crop 
yielding 1,000 pounds of leaves per acre contain 00.85 pounds of nitro- 
gen, 8.68 pounds of phosphoric acid, and 85.41 pounds of potash. 
The leaves of such a crop contain 44 pounds of nitrogen, 5.89 pounds 
of phosphoric acid, and 58.19 pounds of potash. The parts usually 



26 

removed from tlie soil, the leaves and stalks, contain 58. ft pounds of 
nitrogen, 7.72 pounds of phosphoric acid, and 77.8(5 pounds of potash." 

This shows that the larger part of the fertilizing constituents is 
found in the leaves and stalks, and emphasizes the exacting charac- 
ter of the demands of the tohacco plant on the soil and the importance 
of returning to the soil all of the stalks and roots. 

In several places it was noticed that planters in preparing tobacco 
ground for a future crop had thrown out of the held all of the roots 
and stalks of the tobacco, a practice that would not have been per- 
mitted had the planters appreciated their value. It was also noticed 
that beans were harvested by cutting and removing the whole plants 
from the field. As this crop belongs to the leguminous familj-, and 
through the agency of the tubercles on its roots has the j)ower to utilize 
free nitrogen from the air, thus becoming itself rich in this element, 
the vines and all unused parts of the plants should be returned to the 
soil. 

Manure in the form of well decomposed compost is excellent for 
tobacco and one which can easily be supplied in considerable quantity 
in Porto Rico. Any i)lant debris, such as banana stalks, weeds, and 
grass maj- be used, and should be supplemented as far as possible 
bj' animal manures and animal debris. Horse manure is the most 
valuable and cattle manure ranks next. It is said that goat and pig 
manure gives the tobacco a bad taste, while sheej) manure jiroduces a 
heavy leaf. These should therefore be avoided. It is important that 
the compost be well decomposed; if not, its application may become 
harmful. An application maj' consist of 5 to -0 tons per acre, accord- 
ing to the recpiirements of the soil and the concentration of the 
compost. 

Green manures, i. e., the plowing under of leguminous crops, such 
as cowpeas or velvet beans, ofteji give good results and increase the 
thinness and elasticity of the tobacco leaves. 

Guano, which occurs in many caves in Porto Rico, is also a valuable 
manure. Its composition varies greatly, and the requisite amount to 
use can only be determined by experiment. 

Commercial fertilizers should be used with great care. The use of 
potash improves the combustibility of tobacco, but it should be used 
only in the form of a sulphate, carbonate, or nitrate. Muriate of pot- 
ash should never be used, as the chlorin is considered very harmful. 
Cotton-seed-hull ashes is also a most valuable soui-ce of potash. Phos- 
phoric acid should not be used in excess, for, according to Nesslei-, 
the more there is in the soil the more the plant takes up, and too 
much aflfects the color of tlie ash. Acid phosphate and phosphatic 
slag are used in preference to bone phosphate, on account of being 
immediately available. Nitrogenous manures should be used with 
moderation. Aceorduig to Schloesing, they increase the vigor of the 



"Virginia Sta. Bills. 14 and 50. 



27 

plant, but have a marked effect upon the nicotin, increasing it to an 
extent that i.s injurious. In France tlie planters ai-e advised bj' the 
tobacco service not to use nitrate of soda, as it seems to produce 
tobacco without qualitj^ and causes fizzing. Cotton-seed meal has also 
proved in Porto Rico to be a very good source of nitrogen for tobacco 
raising, and its cost is rather moderate. Cotton-seed meal not only 
contains nitrogen, but also a small amount of phosphoric acid and 
potash. On heavy soils or those deficient in organic matter a small 
application of lime often gives excellent results. 

EXPERIMENTS IN CURING TOBACCO. 



The curing experiments were conducted in three curing sheds: 

First. A frame building, formerly constructed for a storehouse and 
part of which was used in that capacity during the curing experi- 
ment. As the large doors were frequently opened in order to enter 
the building, it materially interfered with the attem2;)t to control the 
condition for the curing of tobacco. The building was modified by 
arranging small hinged doors on opposite sides just above the floor 
and just below the roof. 

Second. A shed was constructed of poles and canvas and covered 
bj' a straw roof. The canvas was treated with linseed oil in order to 
keep out the humidity and painted black so as to darken the interior. 
The black surface, however, absorbed the sun's heat and readilj- trans- 
mitted it to the air within, thus causing tlie temperature to become 
too high. This effect was early noticed and rectified by putting a 
white canvas over the black one, thus reflecting the sun's rays and 
keeping the interior of the shed cooler. 

Third. A large shed was constructed of board sides and a thatched 
roof supported by a pole framework. Large hinged doors were made 
in the sides for ventilation. 

The daily temperature and relative Iiumidity was ascertained in 
each shed from March 10 to April 2:5, with the results given in the 
following table : 

Temperature and relative humidity in three curing sheds, taken daily at 3 p. m. 





Large 


shed. 


Cloth-covered shed. 


Frame shed. 


Date. 


Tempera- 
ture. 


Relative 
humidity. 


Tempera- 
ture. 


Relative 
humidity. 


Tempera- 
ture, 


Relative 
humidity. 


1904. 
March 19 


76.5 
76.0 
70. U 
74.0 
76,0 
74.0 
• 78. 
74.0 
78.0 
74.0 
79.5 
82.0 
72.0 


Per cent. 
74.0 
76.0 
90.0 
82 
82.0 
80.0 
71.0 
86.0 
75.0 
86.0 
64.0 
.51.0 
91.0 


"• F. 
80.0 
79.0 
71,5 
76.0 
76.0 
74.5 
78.0 
74.0 
78.0 
73,5 
80,5 
83,5 
71,0 


Per cent. 
61,0 
60.0 
SS.5 
72.0 
77.0- 
78.0 
65.5 
82,0 
69,0 
88,5 
61,0 
82,0 
90.0 


' F. 
82.0 
81.0 

74.5 
78.0 
77.0 
77.0 
79.0 
74.0 
79.0 
74.0 
85.0 
84.5 
74.0 


Per cent. 
65.0 


March 21 


63.0 




78 


March 2H 


79.0 


March 24 


8,3.0 


March 25 

March 26 


77.0 
69.0 


March 28 


84.0 


March 29 


71.0 


March m 


78.0 


ApriU.. 

Aprils 

April 6... 


62,5 

.57,5 
82,0 



28 

Temperature and relative humidity in three curing sheds, etc. — Continued. 



Date. 



1904 

April T 

Aprils 

April9 

April 11 

April 12 

April IH 

AprilU 

April 1.5 

April 10 

April 1.S 

Aprill9. 

April 2U 

April 21... 

April 23 

April 23 

Avei-age. 



Large 


shed. 


Cloth-covered shed. 


Frame shed. 


Tempera- 


Relative 


Tempera- 


Relative 


Tempera- 


Relative 


ture. 


humidity. 


ture. 


humidity. 


ture. 


humidity. 


'F. 


Per cent. 


'F. 


Per cent. 


"F. 


Per cent. 


80.0 


75.0 


79.5 


77.0 


71.5 


70.5 


77. .5 


77.0 


76.0 


78.0 


79.0 


71.0 


80.0 


72.0 


80.0 


68.0 


82.0 


65.0 


82.0 


58.0 


80.5 


64.0 


8.5.0 


56.5 


76.0 


70.0 


76.0 


66.0 


78.0 


79.0 


75. .") 


80.0 


75.5 


74.0 


79.0 


68.0 


81.0 


75.5 


81.0 


66.0 


84.0 


62.0 


82.0 


65.0 


80.5 


62.0 


83.0 


57.0 


81. .5 


6.3.0 


80.5 


64.0 


82.0 


58.0 


80.0 


68.0 


80.5 


06.0 


81.0 


63.0 


79.0 


73.0 


79.5 


69.5 


81.0 


68.5 


80.0 


70.0 


82.0 


,56.5 


83.0 


72.5 


78.5 


63.5 


80.0 


62.0 


81.0 


56.0 


79.0 


71.0 


81.5 


61.0 


82.5 


60. 


79.0 


71.0 


83.0 


57.0 


85.0 


56.5 


77.67 


73.57 


78.26 


70.01 


80.21 


68.3 



Briefly, the results show that in the frame building with a mean 
temperature of SO. -2° F. and relative humidity of 158.3 percent, the 
tobacco dried too quickly and the leaves when cured contained many 
green spots. In the cloth shed prior to putting on the white outside 
canvas the temperature was very much too high and the tobacco was 
badly damaged. xVfter modification the mean temperature was 78.20° 
and the relative humidity 70 per cent, and the conditions as shown by 
the tobacco were more favorable than in the frame building. In the 
large shed the mean temperature was 77.07" and the relative humidity 
73.57 per cent. The tobacco in this shed was better cured than in 
either of the others, and would indicate that the slightly lower tem- 
perature and higher relative humidity were favorable to the best 
results. 

FERMENTATION. 

The experimental crop of shade-grown tobacco was too small in 
amount to make it possible to carry on a satisfactory fermenting 
experiment with it. It was therefore combined with other tobacco 
from the plantation and fermented. The writer gave personal super- 
vision to the fermentation of all the tobacco of the plantation and 
kept records of the temperature in the several fermenting piles, hav- 
ing the piles torn down and relniilt whenever the temperature reached 
an elevation which indicated the necessity of this operation. IJelow 
is given the temperature records of one pile, the tobacco of which 
was grown outside and contained a higli pei-centage of wrapper leaves. 
The fermentation investigations were carried on in a stone building 
of which two sides each had a window and a door that were not pro- 
vided with means of being closed. These openings, through which 
the wind frequently blew, made it impossible to properly control the 
interior humiditj-, and in this connection it might be said that it is 
always desirable to have the fermenting house so that it can be 



29 



tightly closed, thereby controlling the humidity of the interior. In 
case the humidity should become too low it can be increased by 
admitting the damp night air. This, however, would rarely be 
necessary in Porto Rico, because of the usual high humiditj- of the 
air. In order to keep a desirable amount of humidity in the air it is 
advisable to make occasional tests with the hygrometer, and if too 
much or too little is found means can be taken to secure the proper 
amount. 

Record of temperature in fermenting pile of tobacco. 



Date. 


Temper- 
ature. 


Bein»i'ks. 


Date. 


Temper- 
ature. 


Remarks. 




' C. 






°C. 




Mar. ?4 


28 


About 2,000 pounds. 


Apr. 18 


44 




Mar. 25 


? 




Apr. 19 


45 




Mar. 26 


19 


Taken down and rebuilt: 


Apr. 20 


46 








temperature too bigh. 


Apr. 21 


50 




Mar. 27 


35 




Apr. 22 




Taken down, rebuilt, and 


Mar. 28 


18 


Taken down, spread out, 




about 3,IUI pounds added. 






and aired, after whicb it 






thus making a pile of 






was rebuilt and 1,000 






about 9,000 pounds. 






pounds of other tobacco 
added. 


Apr. 23 
Apr. 24 










29' 




Mar. 29 






Apr. 25 
Apr. 26 
Apr. 27 


32 
35 
38 




Mar. ;M 






Mar. .31 


28' 




Apr. 1 


30 




Apr. 2K 


42 




Apr. 2 


35 




Apr. 29 


43 




Apr. 3 


39 




Apr. 30 


45 




Apr. i 


« 




May 1 


47 




Apr. 5 


46 




May 2 


49 




Apr. 6 


48 




May 3 


50 




Apr. 7 


51 




May 4 


51 




Apr. 8 


48 


Taken down, rebuilt, and a 


May 5 


51 


Taken down and rebuilt. 






similar pile added, tbus 


May 7 


32 








making a pile of about 


May 9 


37 








6,i«l(l pounds. 


May 10 


40 




Apr. 9 


37 




May 11 


42 




Apr. 10 


45 


Taken down, rebuilt. 


May 12 


43 




Apr. 11 
Apr. 12 






May 13 
May 14 


45 




28' 




47 




Apr. 13 


30 




May 15 


48 




Apr. U 


32 




May 16 


49 




Apr. 15 


36 




May 17 


49 


Fermentation completed 


Apr. 16 


39 








and sorting begun. 


Apr. 17 


42 











SEED SELECTION. 

An examination of the tobacco fields of Porto Rico and of the prod- 
uct in the factories and warehouses shows a number of tobacco vari- 
eties in the same field or in the same lot of tobacco, so that the crop 
as a whole can not be spoken of as a distinctive type of Porto Ricau 
tobacco. Among the several varieties noticed two very distinct ones 
may be mentioned, one in which the veins of the leaf grew almost at 
right angles to the midrib, and the other (called "lengua vaca") " in 
which the veins made an acute angle with the midrib. These wide 
variations, which give rise to what may be called different tj'pes or 
varieties of tobacco, are no doubt lai'gelj' the result of defective 
methods of seed selection, as pointed out in the report on preliminary 
investigations. Indeed, the method of procuring tobacco seed is such 



« Literally " cow tongue "; i. e., a narrow, pointed leaf. 



30 

that rational seed selection is thought to be a most important prob- 
lem for tobacco culture in Porto Rico. Only good seed should be 
used. The best seed comes from the best plants, and these alone 
should be chosen for seed production. 

The heaviest tobacco seed is usually j)roduced by the largest cap- 
sules. In a vitality test made by the United States Department of 
Agriculture with heavy, medium, and light weight seeds from the 
same tobacco plant, it was found that 95 to lOU per cent of the heavy 
ones germinated, 50 to 85 per cent of the medium ones, and to 12 
per cent of the light ones. It is important, therefore, to use only the 
heavy seeds. 

As a general rule it is a sign of degeneration when the plants in the 
seed bed show a scanty growth and when diseases appear in the field, 
resulting in a diminished yield. This degeneracj' is also evidenced 
in the curing house bj' variegated colors and spotted leaves and bj' 
the rigidity and contraction of the leaves. If these symptoms are 
present a renewal of the seed, or at least a rigorous selection of the 
propagating plants, is necessarj'. "Whenever a superior product is 
obtained from the seed j)lanted everything possible should be done 
to prevent hybridization and to secure the perpetuation of the vai'i- 
ety. It is thus advised, whenever a large numlier of proper plants 
for seed purposes are at hand, to get a large quantitj' of that seed 
from the crop and to use this seed for following years as long as it 
keeps its vitality, usually about ten j-ears. 

The Connecticut State Agricultural Experiment Station found that 
the leaf of both broad leaf and Connecticut Habana of favorite 
strains generallj' show a tendency to become larger from successive 
crops of seed; in fact, the leaves are frequently so large that thej' 
cut to waste. The same has also been noticed in regard to Porto 
Rico wrappers, and it is a common fault that after all the wrap- 
pers possible have been cut from a leaf which cost the cigarmaker 
■2r> to 75 cents per pound, and even -SI to $3 per pound for shade- 
grown, there is left loo much tobacco which can be used only for 
scrap, valued at 3 to 6 cents per pound. This, then, is another 
instance in favor of using from good seed as long as it will retain its 
vitality, rather than use seed from each succeeding crop. 

It must be borne in mind that selection should be made for differ- 
ent purposes, and that a good wrapper leaf has A-ery different charac- 
teristics than one recjuired for a filler. 

In case of wrapper, a light-colored, thin, elastic, and somewhat 
round leaf, with small veins, is desirable. The most desirable size is 
18 to 20 inches long in the field, which gives leaves 16 to 18 inches 
long after the shrinkage due to curing, fermenting, and seasoning. 
The plants should also be early maturing, vigorous, free from dis- 
ease, and possess a uniform type of leaf from top to bottom, the 
leaves being close together on the stem. 



Bui. 5, Porto Rico Agr Enpt. Station, Dept. 



Plate V. 




liHBHi9il':'':i<:''.. , 


LrfiT' \ s/^ 



FiQ. 1 .—Type of Florida Sumatra Leaf. Fig. 3.— Type of Connecticut-Habana 

Leaf. 





Fig. 2.— Good Type of Leaf for 
Wrappers. 



Fig. 4.— Poor Type of Leaf for 
Wrappers. 



31 

Plants with the above qualities should not he topped, but left for 
seed production. All suckers should be removed and only the crown 
flower stalk left. It is also advisable to remove none of the leaves, 
as experiments have shown that the greater the number of leaves 
left on the seed plant the better tlie quality of seed. Great care 
should be taken to prevent pollen from neighborin.t;: varieties being 
carried to the selected plants, and consequent crossing of varieties. 
In case of doubt in this regard it is best to reject the seed. The 
results of careful seed selection will be very clearly shown on the 
field the next j'ear. For types of leaves see Plate Y, figures 1 to 4. 

The Plant Breeding Laboratory of the United States Department 
of Agriculture has begun selecting and cross-breeding tobacco with 
reference to improving the leaves, and eighteen selections and crosses 
in duplicate were sent to the writer to be planted during the winter 
of 1903-4. One set was planted at Aguas Buenas and the other at 
Aibonito. At the last-named place the set was destroyed bj' the 
"leaf miner," or " split worm," after the plants had been set in the 
field, so no .seeds were secured. (PI. IV, fig. 4.) 

At Aguas Buenas the plants did well. (PI. IV, fig. 3.) Of each 
selection the best and most uniform plants were selected and 30 to 40 
capsules only left on the main flower stalks. These were covered 
with manihi paper bags to prevent crossing with other plants. Seeds 
of these selections have been saved for further work along this line. 
It may be said that as a i-esult of this selection the plants have shown 
great improvement in uniformity of leaf, and the results are very 
promising. Tiie most impoi'tant characteristics of the mother plants 
were all transmitted in the seed, as was proved bj' a comparison of 
each plant with the notes which had been carefully made of the 
appearance of the mother plant. It is necessary for each tobacco 
grower to make his own selections in the field, and upon deciding 
which type or types of plants he wishes to perpetuate to bag such 
selected plants after the flowering begins. 

SUGGESTIONS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF PORTO RICAN 

TOBACCO. 

The investigations carried on during the year are not in all respects 
conclusive. It is recognized that further work is desirable, and it is 
hoped that such may be continued in the near future. 

In tobacco culture, as with any other branch of agriculture, it is 
recognized that practice must conform to the conditions with which 
the planter has to contend. However, there ai-e certain general prin- 
ciples that are in all cases applicable. Endeavoring to keep within 
the bounds of these, the following suggestions are made with refer- 
ence to improving the methods of growing, curing, and fermenting 
tobacco in Porto Rico. 



32 

/ 
To be appreciated by the majority of smokers in the United States it 

is necessary that tobacco should liave perfect combustil)ility (burning 
power), an agreeable aroma for the filler, a small quantity of nicotin, 
light color, and small veins for the wrapper. For the manufacturer, the 
shape of the leaf, its structure, and elasticity are also of great impor- 
tance. These qualities are generally not found in thick leaves. It is, 
therefore, desirable to produce a tobacco which is not gummy, excepting 
for roll or chewing purposes — i. e. , which does not contain a superfluous 
amount of glutinous .juice, or, as it is termed in the local vernacular, 
"miel" or honey. If gummy it has a disagreeable taste and less 
cbmbustibilitj'. The smoke of the tobacco must not be acrid or bit- 
ing, but should be mild and have an agreeable aroma. To ol)tain the 
ahove-mentione<l qualities the planters generallj' sacrifice quantity to 
quality. This of course can not be advantageously done in countries 
where the climate does not allow the production of a leaf of very fine 
aroma, but could be very well applied in Porto Rico, because it has 
already been proven that Porto Rico has a favorable climate for the 
production of very good tobacco of fine flavor and aroma. 

CHOICE OF LAND. 

Before engaging in the business of tobacco growing the planter 
should ascertain whether he has suitable land for the purpose and, if so, 
to what class of tobacco it is best adapted. It has already been pointed 
out that the texture and structure of the soil has a marked influence 
upon the character of tobacco produced. Soils light in texture — i. e., 
having a relatively large amount of sand and small amount of clay — 
are in general best suited to the production of wrapper tobacco, and 
give leaves of medium size, fine texture, and good color. The filler 
crop may be grown to better advantage on a heavier soil. The influ- 
en.ce of the soil may be partly overcome by climatic conditions and 
manipulation, and, as pointed out above, by the use of shade and 
proper methods of handling a high percentage of good wrapper leaf 
may be produced on a heavy soil. The character of the subsoil is 
also important. A sandj' soil under low rainfall and without irriga- 
tion should be underlaid at a depth of 1.5 to 2 feet by a somewhat 
stiff subsoil, otherwise the plants will suffer from drought. On the 
contrary, if the rainfall is abundant a very porous subsoil will give 
best results, because of the drainage which it affords. 

A striking example of the influence of the character of the subsoil 
upon the (luality of tobacco may be found by comparing the subsoil 
of the famous Vuelta Abajo district, in Cuba, with that of the hilly 
districts of Remedios. In the first instance the subsoil is very sandy 
and the tobacco has an extremely fine texture and superior aroma, 
while in the latter case the subsoil is very heavy in texture, contains 
much organic matter, and the tobacco is much coarser, darker, and 
stronger. The following table gives the mechanical analyses of these 



33 



two subsoils as made by the Bureau of Soils, U. S. Department of 
Agriculture: 

Mechanical analyses of subsoils from tioo Cuban tobacco districts. 





>> 


i 










■c 










"O 0) 


s 






■o 




a 








Source of subsoil. 


il 


1 

1 


-3 
> 


1 


i 


fa 


a 




4^ 

® 
fa 


o 




P.ct. 


p.ct. 


P.ct. 


P. ct 


p. c*. 


p. (■(. 


p.ct. 


P. c/. 


P. cf. 


p.ct. 


Vuelta Aba jo district 


0.74 


3.80 


4.06 


4.62 


8.28 


21. 6T 


43.09 


B.53 


1.82 


5.69 


Hilly district of Remedies. . 


5. IT 


10.01 


1.31 


.36 


.53 


4.51 


14.97 


21.24 


9.37 


32.32 



The influence of dew and rainfall upon the taste and aroma of 
tobacco is very noticeable. The veiy fine cigarette tobacco produced 
in Yenidje Karasou (Turkey), which sometimes brings $4 to $5 a 
pound, is grown on a ratlier poor soil with stony subsoil. Of rainfall 
and dew tliere is but little, and tlie plants being set out at a distance 
of only 6 inches, or even less, and no irrigation being applied, the 
leaves remain small and soft, but possess a superior flavor and aroma. 
In other jjarts where the soil is loose and contains more moisture, the 
roots spread and the plants grow very high. An ample rainfall pro- 
duces large leaves, but the flavor and aroma are impaired by this rapid 
growth, and the tobacco produced is light and nearly tasteless. The 
same can be said of Sumatra tobacco, which, under the influence of 
the tropical rainfall and very abundant moisture of the air, gyows 
speedily, and being planted very closely and topped high, a cigar 
made from Sumatra tobacco alone would possess neither aroma nor 
taste. The value of Sumatra tobacco lies onl,v in its unsurpassed 
value as wrapper material. 

One of the first considerations should be to use care in choo.sing 
lauds for tobacco growing, and, as has been seen, one class of land 
should be chosen for growing wrapper tobacco, while another is better 
suited foi- growing the filler, keeping alwaj's in mind that the treat- 
ment given to wrapper and filler must also be quite different from the 
beginning to the end. 

SEED AND SEED BEDS. 

The tobacco seed should be secured with reference to the kind of 
tobacco the land is best suited to grow. The seed should have good 
vitality, a condition which can be easily tested by placing 100 seeds 
between two moist blotters and keeping them between two plates a 
sufficient length of time to allow the seeds to germinate. 

The time of preparing the seed beds will depend on when the plants 
are to be set in the fields. The seed should be sown forty-five to 



34 



sixtj' days earlier, as it requires that time for the young plants to attain 
the proper size to be transplanted to the lields. For seed beds a fer- 
tile soil of medium texture is desirable, and it should be worked into 
the finest possible condition and freed fi'om all coarse organic matter. 
The soil should be elevated into beds not move than :i4 feet in width 
and as long as may be desired. The elevating of the soil prevents 
rainwater falling on adjacent land from running onto the beds, and 
the narrow width enables the workmen to reach from eillier side to 
the middle of the beds to remove weeds without getting on the soil 

and compacting it. To pre- 
vent washing by rains remov- 
able straw or cloth covers 
should be used until the plants 
become well established. 

There is a tendency in Porto 
Kico to select as ranch as pos- 
sible slender seed plants from 
the seed bed to be set out. 
These slender young plants 
(see fig. 1a), however, have a 
much weaker root develop- 
ment and do not overcome so 
well the check of transplant- 
ing or diseases. 

The stocky plants with well- 
developed root system (see fig. 
1b) are believed to be more 
vigorous, and therefore an at- 
tempt should be made, as far 
as practicable, to produce this 
kind of young plants in the 
seed bed. 

Lack of light results in a de- 
creased action of the chloro- 
phyll and consequently weak- 
ens the assimilation, thus re- 
ducing the necessary organic building substances. 

In Porto Rico the lack of light and air in the seed bed is largely 
due to having the seed plants too close together, and therefore the 
amount of seed sown on a certain surface is of the highest importance. 
If it is observed that they are rather close together it is alwaj^s ad- 
visable to thin them immediately, therebj' giving each plant sufficient 
space for normal development. 

Great care should also be taken to avoid injury to the roots when 
the plants are removed from the seed bed. To facilitate the pulliug 



\ 


i 


) 






^ 




i 1 

i 


i^ 






\A 




^ .^1 


■^ 


s 


,* 


1' 


% 








W' 






/ 


4 





Fkj. 1.- 



-Tyiws of plants used in transplanting: 
A. poor type: B, good type. 



35 

of the jomig plants it is best first to sprinkle the beds with water. 
It is desirable to have as much of the fine soil as will adhere to the 
roots of the plants removed with them. 

TIME OF TRANSPLANTING FOR WRAPPER AND FILLER. 

In Porto Kico, which is situated between 17° 55' and 18° 32' north 
latitude, the best season for planting tobacco seems to be in the win- 
ter, which is also true of Cuba. The rainfall at that season is less 
and the temperature several degrees cooler than in summer. In the 
summer, under the infiuence of greater warmth and moisture, the 
plants grow more rapidly, but the leaves do not acquire that desirable 
aroma that^ they have when grown during the period in which less 
humidity and plenty of sunshine prevails. When grown in the sum- 
mer there is also more danger from loss by standing water in the 
fields and diseases are more prevalent. It is very imi>ortaut to gauge 
the time of planting so as to avoid excessive rainfall or extreme 
drought during the growing season and also to have the harvesting 
and curing period occur in comparatively dry weather. 

Generally, the best time for transplanting the wrapper tobacco 
seems to be about the end of October or beginning of Xovember. 
This brings the harvest time about February 1, and gives that month 
and March, which are on the average the driest of the .year, for the 
curing. This also avoids serious damage bj' the flea-beetle, which is 
most prevalent during the dry season. 

The following table, which gives the mean monthly and annual 
rainfall for various disti'icts, shows that on the average November is 
a month of high rainfall, but during the following montlis of Decem- 
ber, January, and Februarj' it rapidly decreases. If, therefore, level, 
poorly drained land is to be used for the wrapper crop, there is dan- 
ger of the tobacco being damaged and sometimes destroj'ed by wet 
weather. In such cases it is advisable to defer the planting until 
December. 

Mean monthly and annual rainfall for various districts in Porto Rico. 



Station. 



a p 



Feet. 

Isabella 243 

Utuado ' 427 

Caguas ! 246 

Cayey | 1,247 5 

San Lorenzo 303 4 

Yauco ...I 98,3and4 



Tears. Ins. 1 7ns. 7ns. Ins. Ins. Ins. 7ns. 

5 4.74 1.51 2.12 S.-'iS 7.75 6.11! 3.49 

2 and 3 f 4. 62 .43 2.81.1: 5..5011.:S1 8.44 5.16 

3and4'>B.()2 I.IH 3.11|(n.82i 5.49,10.41 fl.&3 



4.11; 
3.96 
.3.37; 



1.63) 2.29 

1.38, 3.64 

55|i'2.56 



5.04 9.451 9.96 7.56 
.5.34I 8. .38 17. 49 8.04 
3.31| 5.28 7. .53 7.95 



7ns. 7ns. 7ns, 
6.41 4.52 5.68' 
6.2911.4.'<ll..'i4 
68. .36 .5.8710.63 



8.92! 6.87 
9.49i 9.07 
3.611 5.r 



6.63 
8.39 
4.67 



7ns. 7?is. 
8.74 6.37 
11.07 4.93 
1163.85 



4.75 
5.53 
2.07 






7ns. 

63.02 

Si. 65 

77.68 

74.53 

87.82 

50.75 



"For two years only. 



b For three years only. 



For the filler crop it is advised to plant about the middle or close 
of December, so that the princiijal growth will be made during the 



36 

drier weather of February and March, as the resulting slower growth 
develops a finer aroma. If two successive crops are to be obtained 
in the same field it is advisable to transplant early in October, so 
that harvesting can be done in January. The field is then plowed, 
fertilized, and harrowed, so as to have the second planting done at 
the end of January or beginning of February. In this case irrigation 
would be necessary. This second planting is very frequently prac- 
ticed in Cuba with very good results. 

METHOD OF TBANSPLANTING. 

The seed beds should be thoroughly wet before attempting to I'emove 
the plants, in order that they may be removed with the least possible 
injury to the roots. The j'oung plants should be covered with 
plantain leaves or a wet cloth during their transit to the field, and in 
the process of planting the roots should be exposed to the sun as 
little as possible. A few minutes' exposure of the roots to a bright sun 
is often sufficient to kill the plant. The plants should be placed in the 
holes with the roots straight and moist soil pressed flrml,y around 
them and hilled up to the leaves, the lower ones having been removed. 
It is well, as far as possible, to do the planting on cloudy days or morn- 
ings and evenings, thus avoiding the hot sun of the middle of the day, 
which is responsible for the death of many plants when the work is 
done at that time. The necessity of resetting many plants makes the 
fields uneven and causes ineciuality in time of maturing. As a result, 
half-ripe, ripe, and overripe leaves are cut at the same time. 

CULTIVATION. 

Careful and thorough cultivation sliould be given tlie tobacco fields 
during the early growth of the plants. During dry weatlier the 
surface of the soil should be frequently stiri'ed in order to destroy 
capillarity, thereby reducing evaporation directly from the soil and 
conserving soil moisture for the use of the plants. Any dry blanket 
that can be placed between atmosphere and the damp soil will check 
this evaporation. The most practical protection is a covering of finely 
pulverized dry soil 2 or 3 inches deep. Surface cultivation not only 
reduces the loss of water from the soil, but also prevents an accumu- 
lation of the soluble plant food immediately at the surface and where 
it is out of reach of the plant roots. Cultivation should not be too 
deep, especially near the plants, as it destroys many of the small 
roots, thus lessening the feeding power of the plant. It also facili- 
tates the formation of nitrates. Cultivation should not be under- 
taken when the soil is too wet, because stirring the soil when in such 
a condition gives to it a bad physical condition. If wet weather is 
continuous, all weeds should be removed with as little cultivation as 
possible. During the process of cultivation the soil should gradually 



37 

be worker! toward the plants, tliiis hilliug them tip and preventing 
their being blown down hj- winds. 

TOPPING. 

For wrapper purposes it is advisable to top high. This is especially 
true when abundant sunshine and favorable conditions prevail during 
the growing season. If, however, the weather is cloudy and rainy, 
the topping should be done somewhat lower and a smaller number of 
leaves left on the plants. This is especially true in case of shade- 
grown tobacco, as the shade has a tendencj- to still further increase 
the humid conditions to which the fields are sub.jected. Weak plants 
ought to be topped lower than strong, well-developed plants, which 
will be able to mature a larger number of leaves. Too high topping 
makes leaves deficient in elasticity ; too low topping, too heavy leaves. 
Experience is necessary in order to top the plants just right, taking 
into account weather conditions and type of plants and soil. 

Suckers immediately appear after the topping, and these should be 
removed at frequent intervals. Experience has taught that instead 
of breaking off the suckers in the axil it is better to leave a small part 
of the stem of the sucker, about 1 inch in length. By so doing less 
suckers will reappear. The removal of the suckers throws the strength 
of the plant into the leaves, but if there is a tendency, through having 
topped the ijlants too low or through change in weather conditions, 
for the leaves of the plant to l)econie too thick, this may be counter- 
acted by leaving one or two suckers on the plaut. 

HARVESTING. 

Two methods of harvesting are in use. One consists iu removing 
each leaf from the plant at the most favorable stage of ripeness and 
the other is to cut the whole jilant when the largest number of leaves 
are in a favorable stage of ripeness. The first method should always 
be used for wrapper or high-grade tobacco, as it gives more favorable 
results. Great care should be exercised to prime the leaves at the 
most favorable stage of ripeness, taking first the bottom leaves, then 
successively the middle and top leaves, with a few days between. 
The pi'oper time to harvest is determined by the appearance of the 
leaves, and an experienced eye is required to detect the minute 
differences which mark the leaves when in the most favorable degree 
of ripeness. 

Overripe leaves become less combustible, are less elastic, give darker 
colors, and contain more nicotin, all of which is undesirable. In 
unripe leaves the colors are difficult to change in the curing process, 
and often turn from green to black in the fermenting pile. After 
priming the leaves should be transported to the curing shed in bas- 
kets provided with burlap for covering the tops and sides, so as to 
protect the leaves from dust and direct rays of the sun. 



38 

With the cut system of harvesting it is advisable to cut the plants 
when the middle leaves show maturitj' — foi' wraijper purposes early 
in this stage and for filler a little later. The plants should be allowed 
to lie on the ground for a few houi's until wilted, after which they are 
transported to the curing shed. It is sometimes advisable to string 
the plants on poles before transporting, and upon arrival at the shed 
the poles with i^lants on them ai'e put in place without further handling 
of the plants. These short poles or laths should be of proper length 
to fit the compartments of the shed, the plants being fastened by 
ineans of a cord looped around the plant stems and passing from 
side to side, so that the plants alternate on opposite sides of the pole. 
The poles with plants attaclied may be transi^orted to the sheds sus- 
pended on two long poles cari-ied liy two men or on a wagon prepared 
for the puri)ose. 

CUBING SHED. 

For a good (Miring shed live points should be considered: 

(1) Orientation or direction, (-2) situation, {'■}) dimensions, (4) con- 
struction, and (5) aeration or ventilation. 

The orientation of shed should usually be northeast by southwest, 
because in Porto Rico the prevailing wind is from the northeast. 
Where the direction of prevailing wind is different the orientation 
should conform. The shed should be so built that when the venti- 
lators are open the wind will not blow directly in at the openings. 
When wind blows directly in at ventilators the near-by tobacco dries 
too rapidly and the leaves remain green instead of changing to 
desirable colors. 

The situation of the curing shed depends upon the re<iuirements of 
the farm, but, other things being equal, should be convenient to the 
tobacco field, and should be as much as xjossible sheltered by other 
buildings or trees on the side from whence the wind f omes. Close 
proximity to marshes, streams, or wet land should be avoided, 
because the dampness from such sources is conducive to molds and 
pole-sweat. 

The dimensions of the curing shed will depend upon the size of 
the crop, but the width should never be too great for good ventila- 
tion of all parts of the interior when filled with tobacco. The width 
should not exceed 30 feet, and the height should be nearly equal 
to the width, while the length may be as great as desired. 

The construction of the curing shed will depend to a certain 
extent upon the available and most economical material for the 
structure. In Porto Rico, as a rule, the framework may be made of 
poles cut from native trees. Inch boards of either native or imported 
lumber will probably be most desirable and economical for the sides, 
while thatched roofs, either of palm leaves or grass, are suitable. 
Thatched roofs favor a more equable temperature than either board 



39 

01' metal ones. It is most important that the shed should be so con- 
structed that the temperature and humidity can be controlled. In 
order to accomplish this it should be sufficiently tight to prevent air 
currents when closed. The ventilators should be at frequent inter- 
vals and sufficiently large to secure any desired amount of ventilation. 
They should be so constructed that they open against the wind, can 
be fastened to any sized opening, and can be quickly and tightly 
closed. The interior framework should be so constructed with poles 
and cross poles that the whole space can be utilized for hanging 
tobacco. Strong wires may be tightly stretched and take the place 
of the smallest poles. Poles sufficiently strong to support movable 
planks on which the workmen stand should be placed at intervals 
sufficiently close to enable all parts of the space to be easily reached. 
The sticks on which the tobacco is strung may consist of ordinary 
lath i by 1^ inches, by 4 feet long, with a saw notch in each end to 
hold the cord, or they may consist of small native saplings of any 
desired length. 

Two kinds of aeration or ventilation are recognized — one slow and 
continuous, the other rapid and periodic. The first is acquired by 
opening the small ventilators at the bottom and top of si<le walls or 
by opening the large ventilators only slightlj'. The rapid ventilation 
is effected b.y opening the large ventilators as wide as possible, always 
guarding against the direct entrance of wind or sunshine. Large ven- 
tilators may consist of ordinary doors extending from the ground to 
the eaves and hinged at the side, or the same form of door may lie 
hinged at the top and open from the bottom. Another form consists 
in having the side boards of the shed horizontal and have every other 
one or every third one hinged at the upper edge. These may all be 
opened to any desired width and a uniform ventilation of any desired 
volume given to all parts of the shed, or the top and bottom one only 
may be opened, giving a slow ventilation. 

CORING. 

The filling of a curing shed should be concluded as rapidly as pos- 
sible and the shed closed for the curing process, so that the tobacco 
in all parts will require as far as possible the same time and ventila- 
tion. For this reason it is advisable to limit the size of curing sheds. 

During the early period the curing should be effected bj' a slow 
and continuous ventilation. After the colors are obtained the ven- 
tilation may become rapid and periodic. During very hot days tlie 
sheds should be kept closed and opened during the following night. 
After excessively damp weather it is also well to give more rapid ven- 
tilation on a dry day to drive away the excess of moisture and pre- 
vent molding. If damp weather continues for several days it 
becomes necessary to build fires in the sheds. Charcoal is preferable 
to wood for this purpose, because it produces less smoke. Care must 



40 

be taken that the tobacco does not turn black for lack of sufTicient 
air, reduction instead of oxidation taking ijlaee. 

The nature of the processes which take place in the cui-ing of 
tobacco have not yet been fully worked out, but in a general way 
there is a loss of water — about SO per cent of the green weight of the 
leaves — and a modification of the chlorophyll and other compounds of 
the leaf and the resulting change in color from green to yellow, then 
to red and brown. 

If the leaves are cui'ed in a current of hot air the water is quickly 
lost and the color remains green, because sufficient time has not been 
allowed for the biological processes which cause the color changes to 
take place. If the leaves remain longer in the hot-air current they 
may also lose their fermenting power. Even after restoration of the 
excessive loss of water only a slight fermentation can be produced. 

In order to facilitate the transformation of the matter in the leaves 
a slow curing is necessarj'. If, however, the circulation of air is too 
limited or stopped, reduction takes place and the leaves become 
spotted and, if no ventilation is given, very soon turn entirely black 
and lose their resistance and elasticity and finallj' become worthless." 

Specific rules for the curing of tobacco can not be given, for much 
depends on the weather conditions and the character of the crop and 
shed. In a general way ventilation should be slow, with a constant 
circulation of air around all of the leaves until the parenchyma 
changes color. Rapid ventilation should be avoided during the earlj^ 
stages of curing, except for short periods after very damp spells, which 
may be i-esorted to in order to drive out the excess of moistui'e. High 
temperature and excessive humidity must be avoided. 

The time of curing usually ranges from twenty-five to thirtj'-five daj's. 
The process should cease when suitable color is obtained, bearing in 
mind that the colors are modified to a certain extent in the process of 
fermenting. When the curing is completed it is well to close the venti- 
lators during the day and open them wide at night, in order to bring 
the tobacco into a moist condition before removing it from the poles. 
None should be removed until the reduction of the midrib is complete. 
If the curing has been .slow and tlie conditions favorable, the colors 
at the time of removing from the poles should be fairly iiniform. It 
is advisable, however, upon taking down the tobacco to immediately 
put it into small piles, which favors uniform fermentation and also 
further increases the iiniformity of color. In no case should tobacco 
be allowed to remain in the curing shed very long after it has been 
completely cured. 

The curing of the whole plant is effected with nearly as good results 



"The writer noticed in Porto Rico as well as in Cuba cigars of whii-ii the 
wrapper was covered with black spots. It is thought that tliis was caused by 
the lack of ventilation at certain periods while tobacco is in the shed. 



41 

as regards coloi- as in case of the primed leaves. The chief difficulty 
is that the top leaves, the less ripe, are covei-ed by the middle ones, 
and these in turn by the bottom ones, so that the ripest leaves are the 
ones which, ou account of their exposure, receive the greatest venti- 
lation while the greenest ones receive the least. This differeuce is 
probably partly overcome by the leaves being connected to the stalk 
and through a possible movement of water from the greener to the 
riper leaves. The advantage in case of the primed leaves is that those 
of equal ripeness may be placed separate from those which may be 
greener and, therefore, given a different ventilation. 

The system of cutting and curing the whole plant, however, is the 
cheaper, and is advised for crops that do not promise a considerable 
percentage of wrapper leaves. When the cut plants are removed from 
the poles they should not be placed in piles, but the leaves should at 
once be removed and the top, middle, and bottom ones kept sepai-ate. 
Further sorting of the leaves need not be made at this time, but they 
should be made into hands and at once put into small piles. These 
piles should be frequently inspected to see that the temperature does 
not materially rise. If the leaves are too moist and begin to heat, tlie 
piles are .separated and after a little exposure are made into piles 
again. When this operation has been repeated several times several 
small piles nuiy be put together. It is of course understood that 
before this work is commenced the plants should be moistened by 
leaving the ventilators open during the night preceding the opera- 
tions, and in case of a dry day the work should cease before the 
plants become too dry to handle. 

SUGGESTIONS BEGABDING FERMENTATION. 

In order that tobacco may properly ferment it is necessary that the 
requisite amount of moisture and fei'uients be present in the leaves. 
The process of fermentation develops color, gloss, elasticity, burn, 
and aroma. It is most important that the leaves contain the proper 
amount of moisture. If too dry the fermentation progresses very 
slowly or not at all; if too wet it progresses verj' rapidly and there 
is danger of molds and putrefaction. The operation requires very 
careful watching by one wfio has had previous experience. 

Under the old regime, when dark colors were used, fermentation 
was allowed to progress very rapidly, the high temperatures produc- 
ing the dark colors. It was then sufficient to carefully watch the 
temperatures and to prevent only such high elevations as might Imru 
the leaves. At the present time, with the demand chiefly for light 
colors, it is necessary that fermentation progress slowly. This can be 
accomplished by slightly less moisture in the leaves, and by repeatedly 
tearing down and rebuilding the fermenting piles whenever the tem- 
perature rises to 50° C. 



42 

In order to ascertain the tempoM-atiire of the piles bamhoo, wooden, 
or metal tubes are placed in the piles when thej' are built, one end 
being at the center of the pile and the other reaching to the circuni- 
ference. If the piles are large two or three of these tubes may be used, 
one near the bottom, one near the middle, and another near the top. 
Ordinarj' chemical thermometers are inserted into the tubes and 
may be quickly removed and read at anj' time. The outer ends of 
the tubes should be closed with corks or cotton to prevent cooling of 
the interior. 

. Before fermenting the tobacco should be roughly graded into wrap- 
pers and fillers. The tobacco should then be tied into hands and 
built into piles by laying the hands straight and even, witli ]>utts to 
the outside. The size of the piles may vary according to the amount 
of tobacco in hand. It is difficult, however, to successfully ferment 
a small quantity, and the operation should not be undertaken with 
amounts less than 1,0U(> pounds. A convenient size for the ferment- 
ing piles is 5 to feet wide, 10 to 12 feet long, and -1 to 8 feet high. 
In building the pile it is advisable to start the bottom with trash oi' 
some noncommercial stuff, because the bottom usually ferments very 
slowly. Excessive pressure should be avoided in the early stages, and 
the hands be simply laid on the pile from the outside and gently pressed. 
Piles built in this way settle considerably, so that after twenty-four 
hours more tobacco may be put on if thought desirable. When com- 
pleted it is advisable to cover the piles with burlap in order to pro- 
tect them from drying out. As regards the further care of the piles 
the following directions are taken from Farmers' Bulletin No. 60, 
United States Department of Agriculture: 

The bulk is watched very closely, and as the temperature rises it is torn down, 
eafh hand of tobacco is taken up and shaken thoroughly to dry it a little, to cool it 
slightly, and to open the leaves so that they will not stick togetlier. Before the 
sweat is completed the Imlk is jtuUed down and built upeightor ten times, act'ord- 
ing to the condition of the tobacco. It is impossible, even for an expert curer, to 
give explicit directions as to when the bulk should be turned, as it depends entirely 
upon the condition of the tobacco and the temperature it attains, and these must 
be determined by the operator. 

The temperature must rise gradually, and if it is found to be rising too rapidly 
the bulk is torn down and a fresh one built up. Sometimes the bulk is not up over 
twenty-four hours before it is torn down again and built up afresh. It the tobacco 
is in high case, that is, quite moist, the bulks have to be turned over frequently in 
order to prevent too rapid action and to shake out the leaves which woxild other- 
wise stick together. If a bulk, as seldom happens, should dry out. it is turned over 
and mixed with a bulk which is in high case. The tobacco should never be 
sprinkled in this stage of the process to bring it into case. 

The temperature of the pile is allowed to rise gradually until it occasionally 
reaches ISO F. The firmentation is then at its highest. From this point the 
temperature subsides until the fermentation is complete and the bulk attains the 
normal temperature of the room. This maximum temperature must not be 
reached too quickly, and it must be managed differently with the different tobaccos. 



43 

The fermentation must be carefully controlled and not allowed to go too far with 
the wrapper leaf. With the filler, the further it goes and the more intense the 
action the stronger and finer will the tobacco be for its pxirpose. if the work is 
judiciously done. As a matter of fact, it is not unusual to resweat the filler leaf 
to bring out the strong, rich properties which it is desired to develop. As the 
fermentation does not extend to the bottom of the pile, it is customary to put 8 or 
10 inches of trash, which has already been sweated, on the bottom; and where 
bins are used a layer of trash is also put around the sides. 

The above maximum temperature of 180° F., which equals 82° C, 
should be reduced to a temperature of about 50° to 55° C. for tobacco 
in Porto Rico. 

Bottom, middle, and top leaves should be fermented in separate 
piles. 

Bottom leaves require a lower maximum temperature than middle 
and top leaves. When the top leaves are to be used for filler pur- 
poses the maximum temperature may be increased from 5° to 10° C. 

The moisture content of the tobacco may be easily ascertained by 
taking a few representative hands from the pile, weighing them, then 
drying them in a hot-air bath at 212° F. for about two hours, and 
again weighing them. The loss in weight divided by the dry weight 
equals the percentage of moisture in the leaves. 

The optimum amount of moisture for fermenting either wrapper 
or filler has not yet been determined for Porto Rico. In Florida cer- 
tain experiments have shown that 23 to 24 per cent was favorable. 
If the temperature rises 14° to 18° F. in the first day it indicates that 
the tobacco is too moist and contains approximately 27 per cent. 
With 20 per cent of moisture the temperature rises much slower, and 
the slow rise in temperature indicates too small a percentage of mois- 
ture. With only 20 per cent of moisture it was found difficult to han- 
dle and ferment the tobacco. 

The fermenting house should not be so high as the curing shed and 
should have windows sufficient only for lighting the interior. Air 
currents should be avoided and the floors should be dry. Floors of 
wood are therefore preferable, and it is often desirable to use mats 
beneath the fermenting piles. 

The tobacco piles may be rectangular or elliptical in shape, and the 
height of them will depend upon the quality of tlie tobacco. That of 
superior quality should at first be fermented in piles about 2 feet in 
height; medium quality in piles 3 to 4 feet in height, while large 
piles of inferior quality and trash may be 6 feet or more in height. 
The good and medium piles should be covered with burlaps or mats 
to prevent loss of moisture from the outside and thereby facilitate a 
more even temperature throughout the pile. By degrees, as the 
tobacco becomes drier, larger piles are made by putting two or more 
small piles together, in oi'der to obtain higher temj)eratures. In 
rebuilding the piles care should be taken to avoid returning tobacco 



44 

to the same j>osition in the new pile that it occupied in the former 
one. It is necessary that all the hands be placed at least once in the 
center of the pile. In making the successive piles larger and more 
compact the maximum temperature is gradually increased from about 
35° C. in the first i)iles to abovit 55° C. in the last ones. The increase 
in temperature must be very gradual, otherwise the quality of the 
tobacco is depreciated. In case of molds, which result from the 
tobacco being too moist, it is necessary to thoroughly ventilate the 
tobacco and brush the leaves. Where the sweating is done slowly to 
keep the color light, it is well to allow the tobacco to stand some time 
in the Inilk or bale to age. This aging is especially desirable with 
filler leaf, so as to develop the aroma. 



o 



LB Mr '08 



/ 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

QD01H55E51D 




